Organization: Emma’s Torch
Title: Executive Culinary Director
Nominated by: Dr. Kira O’Brien, NY Director
With eight years of dedicated service at Emma’s Torch, Alex has made an extraordinary impact. Starting as a volunteer and transitioning to an instructor, Alex has played a pivotal role in shaping our menus and curriculum over time. As part of our team since the very first cohort, Alex has touched the lives of over 525 students, their families, and the broader community. In 2023 alone, we achieved an impressive milestone: 85% of our 150 graduates secured jobs, with a 91% job retention rate within the first six months. Alex has been instrumental in these successes, and this year, he has taken on an exciting new initiative—reimagining our Culinary Council. Through this effort, Alex is helping educate more chefs about our mission and encouraging them to join us as partners in this transformative work
Chef Alex always amazes the team with his ability to be in two places at once- and he’s set records for how fast he walks between our offices! Truly Alex is often the first person in the kitchen in the morning ensuring that everyone on the team has what they need to thrive before they even get in the door. He then hustles over to be the first smiling face our students see when they get to the classroom- he greets each person by name and ensures that no matter their background, language or even whatever happened on the subway that morning, they feel seen and valued and respected. He leads our classrooms with energy and enthusiasm, making sure that everyone is included and no one is left behind. He still somehow makes the time to check in with the staff and have meaningful conversations with the team and community about how we can all show up for our students.
Chef Alex is absolutely resolute and tireless in his support of our students; I have never met someone who is so singularly mission-driven. Every single day, he is focused on ensuring our students have access to the best culinary careers possible- and he does it all with a warmth and grace that is stunning to behold. Alex will always go above and beyond to ensure students have what they need–whether it’s rebuilding curriculum or the menu to fit industry trends, or going all around Brooklyn to find the right Halal meats or spices that remind students of home. Given how much he DOES every single day, he is rarely in one place long enough to receive the accolades or applause he so badly deserves. He is one of the single most selfless people I have ever met, and it would mean the world to him and our organization for him to be recognized for all the tireless work he does every day.
Here are the 2024 Catalyst for Change. As you read their stories, consider supporting the work of Catalyst Kitchens and our members, enabling the amazing impact of frontline staff like our nominees.
